CDC Study on the "Choking Game"

The CDC has recently published the results of a new study on the Choking Game. The study finds that between 1995 and 2007, at least 82 children and adolescents have died as a result of playing the "choking game" - a form of strangling oneself using one's hands or a noose, or being strangled by another person to obtain a brief euphoric state or "high". Among these deaths, 86.6% were male, and the mean age was 13.2 years. The complete study is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

Welcome Back: Facilitating the return to school for children with cancer.

Welcome Back presents school personnel with the tools to enable them to discuss the treatment of cancer and effects of survivorship, develop strategies to help meet educational needs, identify laws protecting the rights of these children as well as access resources that support schools and the families of childhood cancer survivors. Also this free program will offer nurses and social workers 5.0 continuing education contact hours and teachers 5.0 recertification points upon completion.

This is being held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Brickhouse Auditorium from 8:00 to 3:00. Pre-registration is required, for more information contact Connie Slayton, 1-800-866-4483 ext. 204 or email connie.slayton@lls.org

New CDC Study Finds Decline in Single-Victim School-Associated violent deaths.

Despite the recent occurrence of high-profile events, single-victim school associated violent death rates have declined, and multiple-victim rates have remained stable according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results show total and single-victim school associated student homicide rates decreased significantly (from .07 to .03) during the 14 year period from July 1, 1992 to June 30, 2006. However, the rates for total and single-victim student school associated homicides between July 1, 1999 and June 1, 2006 remained relatively stable.

While the quest for preventing the problem of targeted school violence is of critical importance, these findings show that schools remain safe places for students. In fact, the vast majority of children and youth homicides occur outside school hours and property.
For your information, a copy of the MMWR article and press release is attached. For more information on CDC's efforts to prevent youth violence please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/YVP/default.htm

Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools

Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools
The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health and Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity announce the release of Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools in the Journal of School Health. For full access to the article and executive summary, visit CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health web site: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/overweight/bmi/

School-based body mass index (BMI) measurement has attracted much attention across the nation from researchers, school officials, and legislators as a potential approach to address obesity among youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools to describe the purpose of school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs. The article examines current practices, identifies concerns surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research. Guidance is provided on specific safeguards that need to be addressed before schools decide to collect BMI information.

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program

From RWJF email news:

North Carolina School Officials Pursue Multi-Faceted Student Wellness Program
Jul 25, 2007
Officials for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system in North Carolina are broadening their efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among children and curb rising childhood obesity rates, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Last September, school officials partnered with Forsyth County Medical Center to measure the body mass indices (BMIs) of nearly 12,500 students in first, fourth, seventh and ninth grades and found that more than 40 percent were overweight or obese. Hoping to spur lifestyle changes, the system superintendent sent letters to the parents of students with high BMIs recommending that parents consult with their child's pediatrician. Officials also are working to increase the amount of physical activity during the school day by encouraging teachers to conduct five-minute, in-class activities called "energizers" and helping teachers' integrate nutrition education or physical activity into academic lesson plans. In addition, elementary schools offer at least 30 minutes of physical education daily and abide by wellness policies established last year requiring the inclusion of healthy food options on cafeteria menus and discouraging the use of food for fundraisers and classroom parties. In tandem with the schools' efforts, Forsyth County Medical Center is encouraging local restaurants to participate in its KidSmart program, which recognizes restaurants that meet at least five of seven requirements such as offering fresh produce, skim milk and whole wheat bread as menu options, and requiring a parent's permission before refilling soft drinks for children younger than age 12. Officials hope the changes will empower students to make healthier eating decisions and maintain active lifestyles (Deaver and Giovanelli, Winston-Salem Journal, 7/25/07).

California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters

You might want to visit the California Center for Physical Activity's Walk to School Headquarters at http://www.caphysicalactivity.org/w2s-headquarters.html.

They have a lot of materials, in lots of languages, and helpful toolkits for starting a walking program.